SDG – Research Assistantships (SDG-RA)

The Scholarly Development Grant – Research Assistantship (SDG-RA) supports students who are ready to learn from a faculty member’s research or creative project in a structured, introductory learning environment. Gain hands-on experience participating in a research project alongside a faculty mentor or research team.

These scholarships are specifically designed for students at the beginning of their undergraduate research journeys.

SDG – Independent Research (SDG-IR)

The Scholarly Development Grant for Independent Research (SDG-IR) supports advanced undergraduate researchers who are ready to design and lead their own independent research or creative project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Students will create and submit a two-page research proposal under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

SDG – Research Conference or Creative Event Travel (SDG – Travel)

The Scholarly Development Grant for Research Conference or Creative Events Travel (SDG – Travel) supports students who have been accepted to present or perform their work at professional conferences or external venues.

Selection Process

All applications are reviewed holistically based on the listed criteria:

• Merit – The strength and quality of the proposal, including both the student and faculty submissions.
• Funding History – Preference may be given to new applicants who have not previously received funding from the Office of Undergraduate of Research and Fellowships.
• Other Factors – We consider other holistic factors, including college/major representation and first-generation college student status, to ensure equitable distribution of funds where possible.

Applicant Checklist

• Review the Details – Read the specific SDG program information for your chosen grant carefully.
• Get Advice – Attend an undergraduate research workshop or meet with a coach.
• Secure a Mentor – Connect with a faculty mentor early. If you need assistance, coaches are available to help.
• Start Early – Prepare the required materials well in advance of the deadline to ensure your mentor has time to complete the faculty application.
• Stay Persistent – If you’re not successful in your first application, you can always meet with one of our Coaches to obtain feedback to refine your proposal.

Research Assistantship

Learn more about the Scholarly Development Grant – Research Assistantship (SDG-RA) and click below to apply!

Apply Today!

Program Overview

Through this program, students will:

• Learn directly from a faculty mentor, graduate student(s), and/or a research team.
• Apply and expand their knowledge by contributing to active, faculty-led research projects.
• Develop foundational professional and research skills.
• Gain hands-on experience in their chosen field.

Funding Details

• Student Award – $1,200 total, disbursed in three equal installments ($400 each) as progress is made toward the students learning goals.
• Faculty Supply Fund – Faculty mentors may apply for up to $250 in supply reimbursements. (Note: Requests must be made within the same semester as the grant and processed as a reimbursement through the faculty member’s home department).

Important Financial Aid Notice:

The student award will be sent through the Office of Financial Aid directly to your Bursar account. Please be advised that UT will automatically apply these funds to any outstanding bills in your account, so please plan accordingly.

In rare instances, students who are near their maximum financial aid limits may face challenges accepting additional funding. If you believe this applies to you, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships to discuss possible options before accepting the award.

Disbursement Requirements & Schedule

Funding is released in three phases, contingent on the completion of specific milestones:

• Payment 1 ($400) – Early Semester – Requires the completion of the award acceptance form.
• Payment 2 ($400) – Mid Semester – Requires verified completion of Vol Edge Phase 1, and faculty confirmation of student participation and progress.
• Payment 3 ($400) – End of Semester – Requires verified completion of Vol Edge Phase 2, submission of a Final Report (one paragraph) via Canvas, completion of the post-experience survey, and final faculty confirmation of participation.

Note on Payment Processing: Once accepted in the SDG program, you will be added to a Canvas page where all specific deadlines are listed. Following each deadline, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships authorizes the release of funding for all students who have met the requirements. However, the office does not control the final processing time for funds to appear in your student account.

If you have completed your requirements and more than two weeks have passed since the Canvas deadline, please contact the office at [email protected] or your coach. If you can not continue or complete your research for any reason, please contact your faculty mentor and the office immediately.

Application Components

The application has multiple components that must be completed by both the student and the proposed faculty mentor. Applicants should set aside two to three weeks to complete the process, ensuring ample time for collaboration.

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Stage 1: Student Submission

Students should work closely with their faculty mentors to prepare and enter the following:

• General student information (name, major, etc).
• Faculty mentor contact information.
• Short answer responses detailing your interest in undergraduate research, your interest in this specific faculty mentor’s project, and your professional development goals.

Stage 2: Faculty Submission

Once the student submits Stage 1, the application routes to the faculty mentor, who will be promoted to provide:

• Supervisory structures and members of the research team.
• Expectations for the student researcher.
• Details regarding the research project (questions, topic, methods, results, etc.).
• Two specific learning goals for the student.

Student Expectations

To maintain funding and good standing in the program, students must:

• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• Maintain regular meetings and communications with their faculty mentor.
• Fulfill the duties, meetings, and activities outlined in the learning agreement (unless modifications are approved by the mentor).
• Complete all SDG Canvas course requirements, including Vol Edge (Phases 1 and 2), attending an undergraduate research advising session, submitting a Final Report, and completing the Post-Funding Survey.
• Present their research at an Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships-sponsored poster symposium (Discover Day or EURēCA) within one year of receiving the grant.

Independent Research

Learn more about the Scholarly Development Grant for Independent Research (SDG-IR) and click below to apply!

Apply Today!

Program Overview

Through this program, students will develop a research or creative project. They will have the opportunity to advance independently under faculty mentorship, build advanced research skills, and contribute original research or scholarship to their field. Projects may include traditional research, creative work, or interdisciplinary exploration.

Funding Details

• Student Award – $1,750 (a $1,500 scholarship and a $250 student supply budget), disbursed in three installments as progress is made on the project.
• Faculty Supply Fund – Faculty mentors may apply for up to $250 in supply reimbursements. (Note: Requests must be made within the same semester as the grant and processed as a reimbursement through the faculty member’s home department).

Important Financial Aid Notice:

The student award will be sent through the Office of Financial Aid directly to your Bursar account. Please be advised that UT will automatically apply these funds to any outstanding bills in your account, so please plan accordingly.

In rare instances, students who are near their maximum financial aid limits may face challenges accepting additional funding. If you believe this applies to you, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships to discuss possible options before accepting the award.

Disbursement Requirements & Schedule

Funding is released in three phases, contingent on the completion of specific milestones:

• Payment 1 ($750) – Early Semester – Includes installment One plus the student supply budget. Requires the completion of the award acceptance form.
• Payment 2 ($500) – Mid Semester – Requires verified completion of Vol Edge Phase 1, and faculty confirmation of student participation and progress.
• Payment 3 ($500) – End of Semester – Requires verified completion of Vol Edge Phase 2, submission of a Final Report (one paragraph) via Canvas, completion of the post-experience survey, and final faculty confirmation of participation.

Note on Payment Processing: Once accepted in the SDG program, you will be added to a Canvas page where all specific deadlines are listed. Following each deadline, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships authorizes the release of funding for all students who have met the requirements. However, the office does not control the final processing time for funds to appear in your student account.

If you have completed your requirements and more than two weeks have passed since the Canvas deadline, please contact the office at [email protected] or your coach. If you can not continue or complete your research for any reason, please contact your faculty mentor and the office immediately.

Student Expectations

To maintain funding and good standing in the program, students must:

• Be enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• Maintain regular meetings and communications with their faculty mentor.
• Complete the SDG Canvas course, which includes:
  • Completing the Vol Edge requirements (Phases 1 and 2)
  • Attending a Research Coaching sessions (scheduled via Vol Connect).
  • Providing a Final Report on Experience (one paragraph) via Canvas.
  • Completing a Post-funding Feedback Survey.
• Present their research within one year at an Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships-sponsored poster symposium (Discover Day or EURēCA).

Application Components

The application consists of three main components:

1. General information form.
2. A two-page research or creative activity proposal (see guidelines below).
3. Faculty mentor support (Once the student submits their section, the faculty mentor will receive a copy of the application for approval).

Proposal Guidelines & Formatting Requirements 

Research Conference or Creative Events Travel

Learn more about the Scholarly Development Grant for Research Conference or Creative Events Travel (SDG-Travel) and click below to apply!

Apply Today!

Funding Details

Students presenting academic or creative work may apply for funds to assist with permitted travel costs (e.g., registration fees, airfare, hotel costs, and ground transportation). Maximum award amounts vary by destination.

• Up to $300 (In-state Travel)
• Up to $500 (Domestic – Outside Tennessee)
• Up to $800 (International Travel)
• Up to $100 (Virtual Conferences)

Eligibility & Restrictions

Funding is released in three phases, contingent on the completion of specific milestones:

• Enrollment: Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students currently enrolled and in good standing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (Note: The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships can not fund conferences occurring after the applicant’s graduation date).
• Acceptance Proof: Students must show proof of presentation and/or performance acceptance before an award is offered. The student must be listed as a first or second author on the work.
• Frequency: Students may only receive one travel grant from the office within an academic year. However, students may apply more than once if their initial grant application is unsuccessful.
• Co-Funding: Students are highly encouraged to apply for travel funding from their home departments, colleges, or other sources concurrently with the office application.

Understanding Departmental Reimbursements

Unlike other SDG grants that are paid as scholarships, SDG-Travel funds are processed as departmental reimbursements. This means your grant funding will be allocated to your home department, and you will be reimbursed for approved expenses after the travel is complete.

• Travel Rules – You must work closely with your faculty mentor and your departmental business manager to understand and follow all university travel rules. (For example: international travel always requires pre-authorization).
• Policy Compliance – If a department determines they cannot honor a travel reimbursement because the student failed to follow departmental or university policies, the office can neither intervene nor provide funding directly to the student.

Strict Fiscal Year Deadline (June 30): Travel must occur within the academic fiscal year in which the student applies (July 1 – June 30). All university required authorization and reimbursement forms must be completed, submitted, and approved by your academic department by June 30.

Because university budgets close on this date, awards can not be paid out after June 30, even if the travel has already occurred. If you are traveling in May or June, you must contact the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships immediately to prepare for these strict deadlines. If your presentation occurs after June 30, you must apply for the next available fall grant cycle.

Student Expectations

To maintain funding and good standing in the program, students must:

• Be enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• Work closely with a faculty mentor and departmental business manager for travel planning and reimbursement procedures.
• Complete Vol Edge (Phases 1 and 2) within one month of accepting SDG-Travel.
• Complete the post-travel report form within 14 days of the conference. This includes submitting a photo of yourself attending the conference and a short paragraph describing your experience.
• Present your research within one year at an Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships-sponsored poster symposium (Discover Day or EURēCA). (Exception: Graduating seniors who receive the award in their final semester are exempt from this requirement).

Evaluation Criteria

This is a competitive award. It is recommended to prepare ample time to write the required responses. Applications will be evaluated holistically based on the following criteria:

• Project Description – The clarity, detail, and significance of the project, including its relevance to your field of study and to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• Impact – A clear description of how presenting at this specific venue will impact your personal, academic, and professional development.
• Overall Quality – The general strength, professionalism, and completeness of the application.

Application Components

To apply, you will need to provide:

• Conference Details
• A Proposed Budget
• Acceptance Documentation (proof you are accepted to present or perform)
• Faculty Mentor Support